Why are my hens eating eggs from the floor of the coop?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Hens usually start eating eggs from the floor of the coop because a shell has already broken, they’ve learnt the taste, or the laying area makes eggs easy to peck. It’s a frustrating habit, but it often starts with a simple trigger such as a soft-shelled egg, overcrowding, poor nest box setup, or not enough distraction in the coop.

It’s worth checking the flock setup first, because once hens learn to eat eggs, the habit can spread quickly.

Things To Check

1. Check whether eggs are being laid on the floor because the nest boxes are too few, too dark, too busy, or not inviting.

2. Look for cracked, thin-shelled or broken eggs, as hens are more likely to peck at eggs that are already damaged.

3. Make sure eggs are being collected often enough, especially if they’re sitting around on the coop floor for some time.

4. Check the flock size and space available, as crowding can increase pecking and opportunistic behaviour.

5. Look at feed and water access to make sure all hens are getting enough, with no obvious competition at the feeders.

6. Inspect the coop for boredom triggers, such as very limited enrichment, poor ventilation, damp bedding or a generally restless flock.

7. Watch whether one hen is starting the behaviour, since a single bird can sometimes teach the rest of the group.

Common Causes

The most common cause is a broken egg on the floor. Once hens taste the contents, they may begin pecking at more eggs out of habit.

Poor nest box design or layout is another frequent reason. If hens don’t feel secure in the laying area, they may lay on the floor where eggs are more likely to be stepped on and broken.

Soft-shelled or thin-shelled eggs can also be involved. These may break more easily, which gives hens a chance to peck at them.

Less commonly, stress, crowding, boredom or competition around food and space can make egg pecking more likely.

What To Do

Collect eggs promptly and clear any broken eggs straight away. If you find a cracked egg, remove the mess carefully so the rest of the flock doesn’t keep returning to it.

Make nest boxes quieter, darker and more appealing if needed. A small number of comfortable nesting spots can help, as long as hens can use them without being crowded.

Review feed, water, bedding and space. A steady routine and a less hectic coop can make a noticeable difference over time.

If one hen seems to be starting the behaviour, keep a close eye on her and on the rest of the flock. It can help to separate eggs from hens as soon as they’re laid, and to discourage repeated access to broken shells or egg contents.

If the problem keeps going, check whether there’s an underlying issue making eggs more likely to break, such as poor shell quality or hens laying on hard surfaces.

Products That May Help

Keeping the coop clean and the laying area easy to manage may help support your routine when you’re dealing with egg eating.

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